Joel Hall’s “Anja: The Unexpected” Debuts at Logan Center for the Arts

In celebration of his dance company’s 40th anniversary, renowned choreographer Joel Hall presents the Joel Hall Dancers in the world premiere of “Anja: The Unexpected” Aug. 14–15 at University of Chicago’s Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St.

“Anja,” which aims to “awaken spectators visually, aurally, and spiritually,” is a collaboration with three Chicago jazz musicians, Charles Heath, Ray Silkman and Jesse Charbonier.

Each musician will perform alongside Hall’s choreography. As a finale, the artists will open up a “jam session,” inviting the audience to find the unexpected dancer and musician in each of their souls. Accompanying the evening’s featured music artists will be Adrian Ruiz on piano, Aaron Zachary on bass, Shaun Johnson on trumpet and others.

Proceeds from “Anja” benefit the ongoing mission of Joel Hall Dancers & Center, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization founded in 1974 by its critically acclaimed artistic director and chief dance instructor Joel Hall which aims to enrich the lives of its community through dance performance and education.

You can purchase tickets for $25 to $80 at ticketsweb.uchicago.edu, by visiting the UChicago Arts Box Office in the Logan Center, or calling 773.702.ARTS (2787).